Six young University of California, Berkeley faculty members have been awarded prestigious Sloan Research Fellowships, given annually by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to scientists, mathematicians and economists who are at an early stage of their research careers.

The six are among 118 new fellows from 56 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada announced today (Tuesday, Feb. 16) by the foundation. All will receive a two-year, $50,000 grant to pursue any line of research they choose.

“The Sloan Research Fellowships support the work of exceptional young researchers early in their academic careers, and often at pivotal stages in their work,” said Paul L. Joskow, president of the foundation. “I am proud of the foundation’s rich history in providing the resources and flexibility necessary for young researchers to enhance their scholarship, and I look forward to the future achievements of the 2010 Sloan Research Fellows.”

With the announcement today, some 150 current or former UC Berkeley faculty members have received Sloan Research Fellowships.

The Sloan Research Fellowships have been awarded since 1955, and 38 of the fellows have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. Current or former Sloan Fellows have been chosen to receive the National Medal of Science 57 times, the Fields Medal – the top honor in mathematics – 14 times, and the John Bates Clark Medal – the most prestigious honor for young economists – 9 times.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit grantmaking institution that supports original research and broad-based education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and economic performance.